For so long he was being sized up to lead Brisbane s rebuild, but teen tyro Reece Walsh has shown life after Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at the Warriors could be very rosy indeed after helping kill off yet another Cowboys comeback.
Walsh was in everything and then some in just his second NRL outing on Sunday, making miracles and mistakes alike as North Queensland threatened to reel in a 24-4 half-time deficit, only for the Warriors to hang tough for a thrilling four-point win.
With David Fusitu a re-injuring the hamstring that has plagued him of late 24 hours before kick-off, the Warriors pitched unknown rookie Edward Kosi into a backline already boasting teenagers Walsh and Rocco Berry – the trio totalling just two Telstra Premiership games between them.
Kodi Nikorima
Photo: Photosport
A 24-4 half-time lead proved to be just enough for a Warriors team that now has four wins from eight matches this season.
After showing promise during his NRL debut at fullback in a heavy loss to the Storm last week, Reece Walsh was moved into the front line at five-eighth in a move which served to increase his involvement, and effectiveness.
He made a couple of errors that can be put down to youthful inexperience after the break, but there was still more than enough to suggest the Warriors have someone they will be able to rely on for years to come.
NRL: New Zealand Warriors cling on for victory after North Queensland Cowboys comeback
2 May, 2021 06:10 AM
3 minutes to read
The Warriors have held on during a points-less second half to secure a 24-20 win against the Cowboys. SOURCE / Sky Sports
The Warriors have held on during a points-less second half to secure a 24-20 win against the Cowboys. SOURCE / Sky Sports
Warriors 24
Cowboys 20
There are plenty of sporting cliches used to explain a game that started well and finished not so well. You could take your pick of which you d choose to apply to the Warriors 24-20 win over the Cowboys.